Joseph Louis Rizzo, age 98, passed away on February 29 ^th , 2020 in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by his family.  Born on October 11, 1921, in Ramseytown, PA, he was the son of the late Luigi and Antonia (Capizzi) Rizzo.

Joe moved to Niagara Falls with his family in 1928 and started his career in welding in 1938.  On November 21, 1942, he entered the Army as a member of the 9th Army Air Corps serving in the European Theater in France, Luxembourg and Germany.  After his Honorable Discharge in July of 1945, he returned to Niagara Falls and continued his work as a welder, retiring from the Olin Corporation in 1984.

While formerly tight lipped about his experiences in World War II, he recently began to talk about his memories and experiences often lamenting the fates of the soldiers who did not come home. Joe always believed in walking as great exercise and one of his favorite pastimes was walking to meet his friends for coffee at Dunkin' Donuts or Burger King.  He also enjoyed dancing at the Eagles Club.

Joseph is survived by his children Karen, Daniel and Kelly; grandchildren Dion, Lorenzo, Brien, Kenyon, Ian, Coral and Connor, three great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews including Dr. Mark DelMonte, who helped look after him during his later years. He was predeceased by his wife and the love of his life, Patricia McDonough, his sisters Nardine (Joseph) Capizzi; Christine Rizzo, Isabelle (Alvin) Olson and Julia (Frederick) DelMonte as well as brothers Leonard (Anne) Rizzo and Chester (Angela) Rizzo.

Visitation will be held from 12 – 1 PM on Friday, March 13 ^th at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304 where funeral services will be held at 1 PM.  Interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY with Military Honors.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.  Arrangements by.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.